43. How Empathy Makes You a Better Negotiator with Lawyer Nada Jarnaz
Nada Jarnaz
Partner at Howard Kennedy Law Firm
A Champion for Diversity & Inclusion
Nada Jarnaz is a partner at London law firm, Howard Kennedy, where her areas of expertise are banking, finance and real estate. Nada is also a specialist in Islamic Finance and a champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and in all aspects of life. She shows how we can all lend our support to those who need it. We talk style too. Plus, what lies at the heart of any negotiation? Any guesses?
Inspiration
Create A Progressive Work Environment
Businesses like Nada’s law firm, Howard Kennedy, are leading the way towards a more enlightened work environment and future.
Ever heard of Mental Health First Aiders? This is a great place to start when it comes to boosting workplace wellness. “If a person is suffering with mental health issues, whether it’s depression or anxiety, it’s a very difficult for them in that position to reach out for help. Everyone knows who across the firm is a Mental Health First Aider. So if someone is really struggling, they can at least reach out for help. And it’s not that I help people with mental health, but that I can be there as a signpost to help them to get help for themselves”.
You, too, can train to be a Mental Health First Aider.
Your work life is your life. You spend 80% of your life in your work. So if it can be more integrative & synergistic with what’s happening in your outside life, it’s going to make that experience better for everybody.
Be An Advocate + Happy Pride 🌈
We can all be champions.
We can all shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ issues. As with the Black Lives Matter movement, we can all be advocates for the change we want to see in the world. It’s part of creating an environment of inclusivity. As Nada says:
If you are in a position where you’re better placed to be the advocate, then why not be the advocate for the other person? We don’t only have to advocate for ourselves. We all are in a position to advocate for others
The shadows feel safe in a way. It’s safe to hide. It’s safe because no one can attack you, but you’re also not able to be yourself. If you don’t have the freedom to be yourself, that’s not a full life and that’s not fair.
It should be your human right to be able to live a full life. And so, creating safety in the light and allowing people to step out of the shadows into the light is really the thing that is going to move the needle.
Be a Better Negotiator
The most expensive commodity is time. Time is the one thing that you cannot get back. It’s the one thing that if you save it, you’re actually multiplying your revenue. Extra dollars versus time.
When you’re in your zone of genius and your business flying and you’re really in a position of growth, time is a thing that you don’t want to be wasting. It’s a thing that you want to save.
Style Notes
How fabulous is Nada’s statement dress & handbag in honour of Pride! (see below) We’re talking pink and rainbow perfection. 🌈
Listen to the full episode to hear how the pandemic (and all those Zoom calls) inspired Nada to embrace colour instead of her go-to black and navy. Because, yes, dark colours tend to make you look dull and drained on online meetings. And that’s not the look we’re going for, right? We can all be colourful and fabulous!
About ALSO in PINK
Welcome to the ALSO in PINK podcast with host Alexandria Lawrence, a certified KonMari consultant, personal stylist and specialist in biophilic interior design.
ALSO in PINK offers candid conversations with industry leaders and influencers, clients and friends, about what it means to live well.
The podcast is currently paused... but we'll be back! In the meantime, you have nearly 50 episodes to enjoy. Happy listening...
Podcast Host
Alexandria Lawrence is passionate about helping you dare to dream big and intentionally live your best life every day.
